Italy will be Switzerland's opponents in the round of 16 next Saturday. The defending champions secured 2nd place in Group B with a 1-1 draw against Croatia. The equalizer came in the 98th minute.
24.06.2024, 23:14
24.06.2024, 23:20
SDA
Mattia Zaccagni came close to hero status with the last attack of the game. The Lazio Roma substitute curled the ball superbly into the goal to secure Italy's direct entry into the round of 16 at the very last second.
The late goal was not undeserved. The Italians did more for the game, but were often clumsy. Until Zaccagni's stroke of genius, two headers from central defender Alessandro Bastoni were the most dangerous the "Squadra Azzurra" had managed.
Croatia's tournament is likely to end after the preliminary round. With two points and a poor goal difference, their chances of progressing as one of the four best third-placed teams in the group are practically nil. The last time Croatia missed out on the knockout round at a major tournament was in 2014.
The Qatar World Cup bronze medallists showed a slight improvement on their previous games against Italy, but were nowhere near as strong as the Croats have played under the direction of Luka Modric. For the most part, they lacked the pace to really put the Italians under pressure. It took an Italian handball by Davide Frattesi in his own penalty area around the 55th minute to create the two chances that almost decided the game. First, Luka Modric was denied by the penalty by the once again outstanding Gianluigi Donnarumma, and 30 seconds later Modric scored. Ultimately, however, this little rally by the Croatians was not enough.
And what should we make of Italy, the Swiss' next opponents? The "Squadra Azzurra" cut a somewhat better figure than in the playful debacle against Spain. But Murat Yakin's team need not be afraid.
